Are you a problem-solver?
If you said yes, then I’m going to show you how that is getting in your way. Yes, you read that correctly – getting in your way.
Don’t get me wrong – being good at rectifying a situation that is not working well is an important skill. But someone who identifies themself as a ‘problem-solver’ will constantly be on the look-out for a problem to solve.
So guess what happens to everything that hits their radar?! You got it! It becomes some sort of problem!
As a problem-solver, you wake up each day seeking out problems (intentionally or not) because your identity as a problem-solver counts on you finding something to fix! You are subconsciously driven to seek out and destroy problems to fit with your self-image.
But what if there are no problems to solve? Well, then you will either create one and then fix it, or you will simply interpret something as a problem, even if it isn’t one. You will consistently look for the negative in most situations.
It becomes a way of being.
Yes, retain the skill of rectifying situations, but drop the identity of being a ‘problem solver’. It clouds and darkens your activities, relationships, behaviors and, of course, outcomes.
Action – The first step in changing this is to stop referring to yourself as a ‘problem-solver’.
So, what would you rather be known as? Perhaps a great friend? A reliable colleague? A good business person?
If you are going to choose to identify yourself in some way, find a more positive persona to live up to.